It Takes Time

I was finishing up my physical therapy the other morning and I looked over at the clock. 9:20! How that could be considering I had been up since 6:00 a.m. and still hadn’t gotten on to the important things I had to do?

I lay there with an ice pack and electrodes on my left shoulder and arm and realized that taking care of myself takes time. Of course, if I had not started on this exercise program, I would not have injured myself. But let’s not go there. The PT tells me I really did a great job (cough, cough) on my shoulder—not just the rotator cuff but my bicep and triceps as well. All I know is that his gentle massage had me wincing in pain as he worked on the affected areas.

As I lay there bemoaning all the other, more important things I wanted to be doing and thinking about how much time this health improvement plan is costing me, I realized it is much the same with our spiritual life. If we want to grow in the spiritual life it takes time and effort. Sometimes there is pain.

The questions I ask myself, “Is it worth it?”, “Is what I gain better than what I lose?”, and “Will is help long term?” are all answered with “Yes!” But the struggle is still there.

As I ponder and pray about this, I come back to one possible answer. It is the same answer as to why is there suffering in this world. This is our human condition. We want to find the quick and easy way to most things, from health to spiritual growth. But there is no quick and easy way. It is only by putting in the time, focusing our energy, turning ourselves over to trusted guides and putting aside our pride that we grow.

Next Sunday the season of Advent begins. The Church, in her wisdom, gives us this special time to prepare for our Savior’s birth. Set aside some time this week amongst all the Thanksgiving preparations to decide on how you will take care of your spiritual life this Advent.

About Author

Deanna Bartalini is a Catholic wife, mom, writer and educator. Deanna has been married for over 30 years and raised two wonderful adults. She is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Edward Catholic Church in Palm Beach, FL. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, she serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com and contributed to our latest Catholic Mom title, A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.

3 Comments

Deanna, this is SUCH a HARD lesson for me to learn. It’s taken me my entire life to realize just what value time has. I spent so much time not appreciating it, and now…I don’t know. I still think I don’t see it fully for the gift it is. Thanks for this reminder and this challenge.

Wise prescription Deanna!! I actually can’t wait for Advent to begin this year. There is something about the start of a “new year” — even a “liturgical” one — that fills me with hope and optimism. Thanks for a great reminder!